A global ranking evaluating countries' digital well-being has shed light on internet quality across various African nations. The 2024 Surfshark Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL) reveals that Mauritius, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa are among the top 10 African countries with the best internet quality.

The ranking is based on factors that shape internet penetration, including download and upload speeds, latency, stability, and consistency. These factors determine how efficiently individuals, businesses, and institutions connect online for communication, work, and entertainment. Despite advancements, many Africans continue to face challenges such as slow internet speeds, high data costs, and inconsistent network coverage, limiting access to vital digital services like online banking, e-commerce, and telemedicine.

The DQL Index evaluates 121 countries based on five key pillars: internet affordability, internet quality, e-infrastructure, e-security, and e-government. These pillars are analyzed through 14 indicators, collectively measuring a country's overall digital well-being. The index reveals that African countries fall behind in digital quality of life, particularly in terms of internet quality, which includes both mobile and fixed broadband connections.

European countries dominated the top 10 positions in the index, with only 18 nations outside of Europe making it to the top 50. African nations, on the other hand, performed poorly in the rankings, with the highest-ranked country placed at 66th. However, the report provides insight into how nations compare in terms of internet quality in Africa.

The table below highlights the top 10 African countries with the best internet quality, according to the DQL index.

The table highlights the varying levels of internet quality across African countries, with Mauritius leading the region. Ranked first with an internet quality score of 0.361, Mauritius stands out due to its well-developed digital infrastructure and reliable internet services. This is followed closely by Ivory Coast (0.351) and Egypt (0.344), both of which have made significant strides in improving internet access and speed.

Algeria (0.337) and South Africa (0.336) round out the top five, demonstrating that while there are notable improvements in some African countries, the continent as a whole still faces challenges in terms of internet quality. The report provides valuable insights into the digital landscape of Africa, highlighting areas that require improvement to bridge the digital divide and unlock the continent's full economic potential.

In conclusion, the 2024 Surfshark Digital Quality of Life Index sheds light on the varying levels of internet quality across African nations. While some countries have made significant strides in improving internet access and speed, the continent as a whole still faces challenges that need to be addressed to unlock its full economic potential. The report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, businesses, and individuals seeking to understand the digital landscape of Africa and identify areas for improvement.